A Southern Grace 1916 Wedding
Natural Light, Whimsical Details, and Epic Reception Dance Party to Remember
If you're searching for the perfect Central Florida wedding venue that blends timeless charm with unexpected whimsy, let me introduce you to a true hidden gem: Southern Grace 1916. Nestled between Orlando and Tampa, this historic venue offers the dreamiest blend of old Southern elegance and modern luxury. I had the joy of photographing Kelli and Gideon’s recent wedding there that perfectly captured everything couples love about this space and I’m still not over it.
Whether you're newly engaged or narrowing down your venue search, here’s a look at what makes Southern Grace 1916 an unforgettable backdrop for a Florida wedding day.
Getting Ready in a Quiet Southern Sanctuary
The day began slowly and sweetly, as the bride got ready alongside her mother and future mother-in-law. Still on the property, but tucked away from the rest of the day’s events, is a serene bridal suite full of soft, natural light and vintage charm, offering just enough calm before the celebration began. These moments of quiet connection set the tone for a day deeply rooted in love, family, and legacy which are values that resonate so deeply at a venue like Southern Grace.
For couples searching for a Florida wedding venue with two on-site getting ready suites, this one checks that box and leaves for endless photo options. The architecture and decor reflects the historical heritage of the property, with thoughtful modern updates to make your wedding day flow beautifully from start to finish.
A Chapel Soaked in Light and Storybook Romance
One of the crown jewels of Southern Grace 1916 is its bright white chapel. It’s where Kelli and Gideon, high school sweethearts, exchanged vows as natural light streamed through the windows, illuminating the soft blush and sage green florals that lined the aisle.
This chapel feels like it was plucked from a European countryside and dropped right into Florida. And the light? It’s every photographer’s dream.
Couples looking for a wedding chapel near Orlando or Tampa will fall in love with this peaceful space. It offers the kind of cinematic light and quiet intimacy that turns vows into sacred, lasting memories.
Whimsical Florals & Thoughtful Family Moments
The wedding design featured whimsical florals in blush pink and sage green, the perfect pairing for an early summer celebration. Oak trees swayed in the background, offering shade and softness to the outdoor spaces around the property.
But the heart of this day wasn’t just the florals or the charming venue; it was the people. Kelli shared a bridal first look with her dad that was filled with sweet emotion and a special reveal with her bridesmaids that was pure joy. Many of the couple’s grandparents were in attendance, and their presence added a powerful sense of legacy to the celebration. You could feel generations of love surrounding this couple.
For couples prioritizing family-centered wedding moments, Southern Grace 1916 offers the kind of flexible, intimate layout that allows you to make space for all of it, without ever feeling rushed or spread too thin.
A Reception to Remember
As the sun dipped behind the oaks at Southern Grace 1916, the reception turned into an unforgettable celebration, equal parts elegant and wildly fun. The dance floor was alive from the moment the music started and stayed packed all night, with guests twirling under string lights and bubbles floating through the air thanks to many bubble guns among the bridal party.
Kelli and Gideon brought a bit of Vegas glam to Central Florida, surprising guests with custom bottle service signs as the wedding party made their grand entrance into the reception and passed out heart-shaped pink sunglasses that quickly became the unofficial party uniform. The energy was electric: joyful, unfiltered, and completely contagious.
And just when the night couldn’t get any better, out came the popsicles, handed out mid-reception to cool things down and add a little playful sweetness to the celebration. It was the kind of party guests talked about the next day (and probably will for years), and the perfect finale to a day already overflowing with meaning, laughter, and love.
Why Couples Love Southern Grace 1916
Still deciding if Southern Grace 1916 is the right venue for you? Here’s what sets it apart:
Convenient location: Just over an hour from both Orlando and Tampa, it’s a perfect meeting spot for guests from all over Central Florida.
Historic charm with modern touches: The 1916 architecture is preserved beautifully, with clean updates that make it wedding-ready without losing character.
Multiple event spaces: From the white chapel to the barn to the sprawling oak-shaded lawns, this venue offers variety for each part of your day.
Family-centered atmosphere: The venue layout makes it easy to incorporate meaningful moments with your loved ones, from quiet reveals to rowdy dance parties.
Photo-ready backdrops everywhere: As a photographer, I can say this confidently—you’ll have no shortage of stunning portraits at this venue and no wedding gallery at this location will look exactly alike.
Planning a Wedding at Southern Grace 1916
If you’re currently touring venues or building your Florida wedding vendor team, consider this your sign to put Southern Grace 1916 at the top of your list. It’s especially ideal for couples who value tradition, family, natural beauty, and throwing a killer party.
As a wedding photographer based in Orlando, Florida, I’m always looking for venues that offer both light-filled ceremony spaces and dynamic reception options—and this one delivers both with charm to spare.
If you’re planning a Tampa wedding, Orlando wedding, or dreaming of a Southern Grace 1916 wedding, I’d love to connect and help capture your story. These fleeting, beautiful moments deserve to be documented in a way that feels timeless and true to you.
Searching for a Southern Grace 1916 Wedding Photographer?
I’m honored to serve couples all across Central Florida, with a special love for venues like Southern Grace 1916 that let your love story shine against a beautiful, meaningful backdrop. If you’re planning your day and still looking for someone to capture it all with warmth, intention, and joy—reach out. I’d love to chat and hear more about what you’re dreaming up.
xoxo, Alex
Amazing Vendor Team:
Venue: Southern Grace 1916
DJ: DJ by CJ
Hair: Styled Pretty yb Tina Marie
Florals: Blooming Weddings
Catering: Olympia Catering
Bartending: Spunky Spirits
Wedding Dress Boutique: Tie the Knot Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: Kennedy Blue
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse